We’re Going to Hawaii, Baby!

I just shared with our Employees at our Spirit Party at Universal Studios: we’re going to Hawaii, baby! That’s right—the day is finally here that we can say we’re going to add some Aloha to our world-famous Hospitality, as Southwest Airlines will soon serve the Hawaiian Islands!

We intend to begin selling tickets in 2018, and while we’re not quite ready to offer our Customers specific schedule or market information, tonight’s announcement is going to be big news within the industry. Those Southwest shockwaves of our terrific value and bar-setting Customer Service will be a game-changing addition in the U.S. transpacific market.

You may have heard us purposefully changing our language ahead of tonight’s announcement to say it’s a matter of when, and not if we serve Hawaii. Why now? We need to take our Extended Operations (ETOPS) work to the next level and gain FAA certification of ETOPS-equipped aircraft in our fleet and establish required operational processes to offer our Customers nonstop service they expect from California to one of the world’s top leisure destinations. The MAX will be our Hawaii aircraft but, we’ll start with our ETOPS-equipped -800 fleet to accelerate our service launch date. The rest of the work is lined up to bring the performance enhancements of the MAX to what we intend to build into a multi-market offering among our west coast cities and the Hawaiian Islands.

Because this will be big news for the media and our Investors who have also waited for this day, we’ve also posted video of the Employee announcement on swamedia.com, where you’ll also be able to read our news release.

Mahalo to you all as we work to bring America’s Most Loved airline to the shores of Hawaii–and I find it fitting that’s about as far Southwest as you can go in the U.S!

Please, please, please when you start flying to Hawaii, allow pets in the cabin to Hawaii. We have 2 short nosed dogs which can only fly in the cabin, and when we go to LIH, we take them since we go for an extended period. Currently, ONLY Alaska allows pets in the cabin to Hawaii. If Southwest allows this, we would fly to Hawaii only on Southwest. right now on Alaska we're forced to spend the night in SEA in order to make the connection to LIH. FYI, there are certain additional restrictions for pet travel to Hawaii. http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

I am overjoyed that SW will finally be flying to Hawaii. I had heard a rumor about this a couple of years ago and have been anxiously awaiting the announcement. Now I can fly my favorite airline to my favorite vacation destination! Yippee!

Hi @nsx1! We don't have anything to announce right now regarding our flight schedule but we’re evaluating all options, including exploring the marketplace for Southwest’s unique low fare/high value customer service in inter-island air service.

Im thrilled to hear the news of SWA finally flying to my island paradise!! Born and raised in Hawai'i but now living in California, I hate the limited options home. I love flying on SWA!! Mahalo 🤙🌺🤙 Jenn

I hope you guys get the flight service to Hawaii from San Jose International Airport (SJC),(LAX) Los Angeles International Airport,(SFO) San Francisco International Airport,(SAN) San Diego,(LAS) Las Vegas McCarran International Airport,(MDW) Chicago Midway International Airport,(PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ,(RNO) Reno International Airport,(DEN) Denver International Airport,(ABQ) Alberqueque International Sunport,(BOI) Boise International Airport,(SLC) Salt Lake City International Airport,(CSL) Cabo San Lucas International Airport,(BWI) Baltimore Washington International Airport,(BUR) Burbank Bob Hope Airport,(DAL) Dallas/Love Field,(HOU) Houston-Hobby,(MSY) Louis Armstrong New Olreans International Airport,(ONT) Ontario California International Airport,(MCO) Orlando International Airport,(SNA) John Wanye Orange County Airport,(PDX) Portland International Airport,(GEG) Spokane International Airport,(SEA) Seattle International Airport and (STL) St.louis Lambert International Airport

I want to be on the first flight to Hawaii next year! I think Southwest is the best airline there is! Keep up the great work Southwest, your customer service is the best. Please keep adding more destinations and your loyal customers will keep on flying!

I travel to HI for work. I know, LUCKY ME! Unfortunately I haven't been able to fly my favorite airline. On the mainland I exclusively fly SWA I would add there is a huge opportunity in PHX. Hawaiian Air is a fine second place airline, but their PHX leg is a mess. Schedule, plane etc... ugh. Can't wait to see SWA spirit married with Aloha spirirt!

So happy to FINALLY hear the official announcement. It was always Jerry's dream to retire to Hawaii and he firmly believed that Southwest would be flying there when the time came. Sadly, he passed away last December, but his children and I are going to honor his memory by visiting the island paradise he always dreamed about. We wouldn't consider flying anyone except Southwest because we will always think of you as family.

When in 2018 are you guys at Southwest Airlines going to have tickets to Hawaii and i want to know when in 2018 will the tickets for the plane trips to Hawaii will be on sale because i want them plane tickets to hawaii on and with you guys at southwest airlines in 2018 a.s.a.p.

As soon as we have information to share about ticket sales, we'll share it with you! The best way to stay informed is to keep an eye on the Southwest Community discussion boards (there will definitely be conversation about it once sales start) and on our social media accounts. We hope you're one of the first to fly to Hawaii with us!